As the New Nigeria People’s Party in Kano State continues to suffer what political observers call “significant internal crisis,” culminating in the emergence of a faction challenging the party’s current leadership, notable politicians have concluded that the entire plot is aimed at ensuring that the All Progressives Congress reclaims the state in 2027.

Arewa PUNCH investigations reveal that this development threatens the already fragile stability of the NNPP and raises questions about its prospects in the 2027 elections.

A political observer in the state, Awwual Mustapher, told Arewa PUNCH that, “The faction, led by former party spokesperson Hon. Musa Nuhu Yankaba has accused prominent figures like Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso and Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of not representing the authentic NNPP.

“To assert their stance, the group recently convened a congress where they elected new executives, directly challenging the party’s existing structure.”

When contacted, Hon. Nuhu Yankaba told PUNCH that they were trying to help members of the Kwankwasiyya Movement realise that they were on the wrong path, accusing them of betraying the pioneer and national leader of the NNPP.

While restating his loyalty to the movement, Yankaba said, “After leaving the PDP (with Kwankwaso), there were initial plans to join the Accord Party, but an agreement couldn’t be reached.

Instead, the NNPP leaders in Abia welcomed us into the party without problem.”

Lamenting the betrayal, Yankaba stressed, “Since 2019, I have been with them, supporting them with my wealth and strength, but now they have abandoned me. I secured jobs for them, but I lost mine. They didn’t help me.”

He maintained, “I leave it to Allah to take revenge for me. As of today, I withdraw my loyalty to the Kwankwasiyya Movement.”

On his part, the Chairman of the New Nigeria People’s Party, Kano State chapter, Alhaji Hashimu Dungurawa, denied any knowledge of a faction within the party in the state.

According to him, the party treats all its members equally.

Moreover, he noted that “those agitating for the party’s legitimacy are not even politicians,” thereby dismissing their claims as “baseless.”

Furthermore, he stressed that the party recently welcomed a prominent figure from the Peoples Democratic Party, Hon. Masud Eljibrin Doguwa, who defected to the NNPP.

As a result, Dungurawa insisted that the party would continue to thrive despite the allegations that the member was sponsored by Ganduje to destabilise it.

However, he assured that the party was fully prepared to handle such challenges.

In addition, Alhaji Dungurawa clarified that “Hon. Musa Nuhu Yankaba had never been the Public Relations Officer of the NNPP.”

Instead, he explained that “Yankaba was merely a liaison officer for the party,” thus dispelling “any confusion over this matter.”

Finally, reaffirming the stability of the party, he stated “that Kwankwaso has never interfered in the government’s affairs.”

He also pointed out that the recent cabinet reshuffle was a “normal routine exercise,” emphasising that “such changes occur in various states across the country.

“Members of the NNPP in Kano State are defecting to the APC because they have lost confidence in the party.”

Another APC member emphasized the importance of unity within their party to reclaim Kano from the NNPP. “Unity among APC members is the only way to reclaim Kano from NNPP,” he stressed.

However, a political analyst, Nura Isyaku Bello, from Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology, Wudil, said the ongoing crisis within the New Nigeria People’s Party in Kano State reflects deeper issues of political alignment, leadership tussles, and strategic positioning ahead of the 2027 elections.

According to the political analyst Nura Isyaku Bello, the internal divisions, marked by factional disputes and mass defections, underscore a fundamental challenge in party cohesion and governance.

Bello argues that the NNPP’s troubles stem from its reliance on the Kwankwasiyya Movement, which, while initially a unifying force, has become a source of tension due to differing visions for the party’s future. “The relationship between Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso appears strained, with the governor’s allies advocating for autonomy while Kwankwaso’s loyalists demand adherence to his leadership style,” he explains.

The defections to the APC further complicated matters. Bello noted that while the APC may be exploiting these weaknesses to its advantage, the real issue lies within the NNPP’s inability to manage internal dissent effectively.

“The APC’s gains are not just about political opportunism but a reflection of the NNPP’s failure to address grievances and establish a clear direction,” he said

Bello emphasised that the NNPP must urgently reconcile its factions to avoid further erosion of its influence.

“The 2027 elections are fast approaching, and unless the party rebuilds trust and unity, it risks irrelevance in Kano State politics,” he concluded.

However, for a prominent political analyst, Mustapha Isa Kwaru the NNPP finds itself at a crossroads, where leadership decisions and internal cohesion are being closely scrutinized. While the party leadership, led by Alhaji Hashimu Dungurawa, denies any factionalism, it cannot overlook the growing concerns of neglect among its members. The claim of unity is commendable, but the reality suggests a lack of proactive engagement with grassroots stakeholders.

The defection of Hon. Masud Eljibrin Doguwa from the PDP is a strategic gain for the NNPP, but the allegations that his move was orchestrated by external forces to destabilise the party raises valid questions about the vigilance of its leadership.

Furthermore, Arewa PUNCH learnt that the controversy surrounding Hon. Musa Nuhu Yankaba’s role within the party points to administrative lapses and poor internal communication.

While the party’s insistence on stability and Kwankwaso’s limited interference may provide temporary relief, neglecting internal grievances could weaken its foundation.

“The NNPP must adopt a more inclusive approach and prioritise transparent governance to remain competitive in Nigeria’s dynamic political landscape,” another political analyst posited.

https://punchng.com/kano-nnpp-accuses-apc-of-plotting-partys-crisis-ahead-of-2027/